Developing and Implementing a Supplier Qualification Program for Dietary Supplements
In this webinar, regulatory expert and EAS Independent Consultant Aisha Siddiqui explains what you need to know when developing a component supplier qualification program for dietary supplements.
Presenter Bio: Aisha Siddiqui has significant experience and knowledge of regulatory requirements, including cGMPs, for foods, cosmetics and dietary supplements in both the US & EU market.…
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Tips for Developing Your Supplier Qualification Program for Dietary Supplements
FDA regulations dictated in 21 CFR 111, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), are mandatory for all firms that manufacture, package, label or hold dietary supplements for sale in the U.S. Although the regulation has been in effect since 2007, component (dietary ingredient) qualification remains one of the least understood aspects. In fact, failure to qualify suppliers is one of the most-common FDA citations
Why Qualify My Component Suppliers?
As stated, FDA regulations require you to have a component-supplier qualification program. It helps ensure your products are safe for consumers. Plus, it makes good business sense to work with suppliers that have good cGMP standards. It ensures you’re working with suppliers who are in compliance and aligned with your brand values.
What FDA Regulations are Involved with a Supplier Qualification Process?
21 CFR 111, subpart E, sections 111.70, 111.73 & 111.75 require dietary supplement manufacturers to establish component (dietary ingredient) specifications for…
- Identity
- Purity
- Strength
- Composition
- Limits of potential contaminants
Once specifications are established, you must test each shipment of raw materials to verify specifications are met.
Can I Rely on the Supplier’s CoA?
Per 21 CFR 111.75(a)(2)(ii), you cannot rely on testing from the supplier of the material, represented on the Certificate of Analysis (COA), unless the supplier has first been qualified via a supplier qualification program.
The regulations also require that the supplier qualification program be reviewed and approved by the quality unit. When foreign suppliers are used there are additional modified Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) requirements that may apply to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) that must also be provided for in the supplier qualification program. Watch the full webinar above for details.
What Does a Supplier Qualification Program Entail?
A supplier qualification program is a multi-step, risk-based process that includes the following:
- Supplier documentation audit via a supplier qualification questionnaire
- Supplier risk assessment
- Supplier Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirmation testing
- On-site supplier facility audit
- Periodic re-qualification of supplier
For details on each point, watch the full webinar above.
Do I Need an SOP for Qualifying Dietary Supplement Component Suppliers?
Yes, you should have a written standard operating procedure (SOP) for qualifying suppliers. It should include the following:
- Steps take for qualification and requalification
- Required documentation
- Steps for continual monitoring to ensure qualified status
- Approved by your Quality Unit
Watch the full webinar to learn more about developing a supplier qualification program that is efficient but still meets the expectations of the FDA.
More Helpful Resources
Did You Know?
Equipment Sanitation and Dietary Supplements
Which cGMPs Apply to Me?
EAS Blog Article
EAS Consulting Group
Dietary Supplement Services
Service Information Sheet
PDF Information Sheet
Certified Laboratories
Dietary Supplement and Botanical Testing Services
Certified Laboratories Service Page
Posted in Dietary Supplements, On Demand Webinar and tagged Aisha Qadeer Siddiqui.